Photovoltaics, despite the not-so-favorable reputation, are still often chosen by investors of new houses. What if you choose the wrong photovoltaic installation?
Photovoltaic panels are still a very popular product in our country. More and more rooftops are covered with home solar power plants, which are designed to lower our electricity bills and sometimes, using energy storage, to take care of our independence. The popularity of photovoltaics is also evidenced by the recent enrollment of the My Current 6.0 program, whose budget was depleted by more than half after only a few days.
The black PR of photovoltaics has emerged mainly due to nuisance phone calls, in which on the other side we usually hear a bot asking the same questions. “Attacks” on panels from all sides have tired many people, who at this point, despite not having this installation, create a vision of money thrown down the drain.
But, of course, there are cases in which it is the owners of photovoltaic panels who are dissatisfied with the performance of their installation. This is mainly due to the mistakes of inexperienced advisors or dishonest companies. This translates into a poorly sized photovoltaic installation. What then?
A bad installation is a bad installation
The consequences of a poorly chosen photovoltaic installation can be significant and, unfortunately, can reduce the profitability of the entire investment.
The insufficient power of the installation in relation to the energy demand of the building, will not be able to meet all the demand for electricity. As a result, we will have to pay for electricity from the distribution operator, whose prices per kWh are higher.
Overcapacity, or an oversized installation, can generate more energy than is actually needed. In a net-metering situation, excess energy cannot be used or stored in energy storage. In a net-metering system, the surplus is sent back to the grid, but received at a lower value than the energy purchase price. An oversized installation also means a higher initial cost for the investor, which translates into a longer payback time.
Selecting an installation is not only about the number of panels on the roof or ground, but also their location. Photovoltaics require proper exposure to the sun. A site shaded by trees, shrubs or a chimney, or mounted at an inappropriate angle, reduces their efficiency.
Don't take any chances
To choose the right size of installation, it is worthwhile to take professional advice.
Energetic Design, which handles home construction from A to Z, has extensive experience in thermal upgrades, including the selection and installation of photovoltaic systems. If we want to avoid malfunctioning of our panels, it is important to choose companies with experience that can accurately estimate the client’s energy needs.
